"The campaign begins with a quadruple-header from 23 September until 6 October, and two final matches in November. Before starting their Nations League campaign, Northern Ireland travel to Italy in March for a World Cup play-off semi-final as they look to reach the tournament for the first time since 1986. O'Neill's side secured that play-off, and promotion to League B, by winning their League C group in 2024 and the manager says it's an "exciting draw. ""
""It's a competitive group - there's no doubt about that," O'Neill added. "At this level there are no easy games and we fully respect the challenge that lies ahead. "We have faced Ukraine in recent years but haven't beaten them since 2016, so there's familiarity there "Georgia are perhaps the unknown quantity for many, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. "Hungary are a well-organised, physical side with quality throughout the team and strong home support, which always makes for a tough test.""
Northern Ireland were drawn with Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia in the Nations League, with a quadruple-header from 23 September to 6 October and two final matches in November. Northern Ireland travel to Italy in March for a World Cup play-off semi-final, seeking a first World Cup since 1986. Promotion to League B and the play-off were secured by winning their League C group in 2024. Michael O'Neill described the draw as exciting, called the Nations League competitive and valuable, and said there are no easy games. He pledged ambition, difficult-to-play-against tactics, and performances to make supporters proud, noting Ukraine familiarity, Georgia's unpredictability, and Hungary's physical, well-organised play and strong home support.
Read at www.bbc.com
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